Land Conservation

Land Conservation - Federal Programs

The Conservation Reserve Program, administered by the Farm Service Agency, encourages farmers to voluntarily plant permanent areas of grass and trees on land that needs protection from erosion, to act as windbreaks, or in places where vegetation can improve water quality or provide food and habitat for wildlife. Landowners can set aside cropland with annual rental payments based on amount bid. Farmers must enter into contracts lasting between 10 and 15 years. In return, they receive annual rental payments, incentive payments for certain activities, and cost-share assistance to establish the protective vegetation. Eligibility varies by soil type and crop history. The Farm Service Agency holds periodic sign-ups throughout the year. However, there is a continuous sign-up for buffers, waterways and other high priority environmental practices.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program, administered by Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides technical and financial help to landowners for conservation practices that protect soil and water quality. Nutrient management, water quality practices, wildlife habitat improvement and forestry improvement are eligible practices in Rock County. To be eligible, applicants must be agricultural producers. Agricultural producers sign 5 to 10 year contracts and may be eligible for up to 75% cost sharing with a limit of up to $10,000 per year and $50,000 for the life of the contract.

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)

The Wetlands Reserve Program, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, offers landowners financial benefits for restoring and protecting drained wetlands. In turn, the landowner agrees to allow NRCS the rights of access, management, and monitoring in the easement area. To be eligible to enroll in an WRP easement, the landowner must have owned the land for one year and the land must be able to be restored to wetland conditions. Landowners may restore wetlands with permanent or 30-year or 10-year contracts. Permanent easements pay 100% of the agricultural value of the land and 100% cost-sharing; 30-year easements pay 75% of the agricultural value and 75% cost-sharing; 10-year contracts pay 75% cost-sharing only. Permanent or 30-year easements are recorded with property deed.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, is intended to develop or improve fish and wildlife habitat on privately owned land. Up to 75% of the costs of restoration are eligible, up to a maximum of $10,000. Almost any type of land is eligible, including agricultural and non-agricultural land, woodlots, pastures and stream banks. Normally a 10 year contract in required to maintain the habitat.

Forestry Incentive Programs (FIP)

The Forestry Incentives Program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, is designed to share up to 65 percent of the costs of tree planting, timber stand improvements, and site preparation for natural regeneration on non-industrial private forestlands. Federal cost share money is available with a limit of $10,000 per person per year. To be eligible, a landowner must own 10 or more acres of land suitable for conversion from non-forestland into forestland. A management plan is required.